Laser-induced contamination on optics for high power space borne laser systems

Abstract

Lifetime enhancement of optical components is still one of the major topics in space based laser applications. In this work a novel multichannel test setup for basic research of laser-induced contamination (LIC) phenomena is introduced. LIC growth dynamic was analysed in dependence on laser fluence and repetition rate. Uncoated and anti-reflective coated fused silica optics were investigated. The coatings were produced by two different processes: e-beam deposition and magnetron sputtering. The influence of coating morphology and composition on LIC growth is discussed.